November 20, 2042

 I am getting ready for our LOW training this evening and then we are repeating it again tomorrow morning. We are doing two meetings to accommodate all our LOWs. We have some new procedures and a new video for our first time patrons and President Leavitt will be presenting those things. I have been making food and getting organized. I spent last Friday baking and my house smelt wonderful!

The Holt Family had Randall’s funeral last Saturday. His sudden passing, as a result of going septic from a liver infection, has been a shock to the family and their whole community. JayLynn’s mother had been unable to get to him before he passed and I am certain she had no idea how seriously ill he was. They will have some hard days ahead. Thank goodness for the Lord’s plan and the comfort it brings. I am praying for them and for Jean and her girls. Jean is still in China trying to sort their affairs out there. I fear that it will be another transition when she returns home in the new year. I am trying to think of how I can help her now and then. Both these men left so suddenly and their families are reeling as a result.

Joanne called to let me know that Jonathan and Jeff were coming to stay with me in order for Jeff to enter a one year rehab program. They arrived on Sunday November 10 and stayed Sunday and Monday nights. They celebrated Remembrance Day with us on the North Shore with a visit to my parents grave and then brunch at White Spot before they did a North Shore remembrance tour for Jeff and we came home. Jonny took him to the rehab location in Langley on Tuesday and Cindy and I were able to visit him at Wagner Hill on Saturday evening. We did not think he could have visitors the first month but Jonathan found out differently when he dropped him off. It is a lovely farm sitting on a hill overlooking the Fraser River and valley. We went to the main hall where they eat and have church and we were very impressed. Right now he is living in a room in connected trailers but there is a beautiful new facility being built that they should be moved into by Christmas. He looked good and he seemed happy. He seems to know the other fellows and they know him. Joanne is coming in December for a visit. We are praying for his success.

It was Trevor’s 52 birthday yesterday. How the years have flown. He told me he is coming to visit in December and I am excited about that. I ordered everyone’s Christmas gifts the end of October and it says they are on a boat from China right now. I hope they get here before Trevor so he can take them home with him. I can take the Bull’s when I go to Montana for Christmas.

I have been trying to get ready for Christmas slowly. My cards have arrived, gifts hopefully on the way and Paul and Sam came over Monday evening to help me get my outdoor lights up. I had to hold the spotlight so Paul could see what he was doing in the dark. I bought them A+W for helping me. Cindy was out with her friends. I have ordered a new flocked Christmas tree and it should arrive by December 2.

I am busy with callings, Kona and my home. I am grateful for friends that show their love and concern for me and I hope I do for them in return. My family is my greatest gift and they are constantly on my mind and in my prayers. They all have their challenges and I hope my presence and prayers are of benefit. I know their father is helping. He is always here for me.

November 7, 2024

 Our sad news since my last post is that Wayne Yang, Jean’s husband passed away suddenly after a very brief illness. Jean came over on Monday, October 28 to inform me that Wayne was in a coma and she was leaving for China. Charmaine was already on her way from Austria and Cheyenne was flying in to meet Jean and carry on to China. I arranged for Cindy and Paul to drive her to the airport that night. She was meeting Cheyenne around midnight and then remaining in the airport to fly out first thing in the morning. Unfortunately Wayne had passed before any of them got there. The girls have since flown back to school and Jean will remain in Shanghai until the new year. My heart is breaking for them. Charmaine had been to China to visit him recently and Jean and Cheyenne were going for Christmas. They had not been with him since covid. Jean and I have been communicating and I am watching her house and mail. Our neighbors Kirk and Krista have been helping with the car battery and trying to help me get Jean’s outside cameras operating. We are going over again this evening to try once more but this time we will have Jean on a video call. She is worried about her house as they have joint ownership but no will. I have been trying to look into that for her. I am concerned for Jean and the girls. We are all praying for them.

Rissa had a bike accident with Colton on with her and she broke her cheek. She has had surgery and a plate put in her cheek. She has been taking it easy and trying to recover from the accident and surgery. Friends have been bringing food and helping with children. I am grateful things were not worse.

Kona and I have both had our hair cut and her’s cut is much more expensive than mine. My hairdresser had experienced a fall and was having a struggle standing. We have also had Halloween and Kona made it thru all the children at the door and the fireworks afterward. We had a bad storm Sunday night and Monday and lost our power for most of Monday. Kona had to deal with the noises and drama of that too. Her life has been exciting and traumatic lately.

I went to a memorial for the Bill’s son who took his own life in Tasmania. He had sever emotional struggles throughout his life and had coped by travelling and biking all over the world. He was a talented photographer and capable and creative young man. He left some beautiful memories but a heartbroken family who will miss him. He will be fine now.

I went to visit Helena and also went to meet with Kayleen regarding our ministering Fireside in January. I have made the outline for the evening and need it approved.

Liza, Brenda, Keaton, Sayde and their exchange student from France came down for the weekend so the student could see Vancouver. The weather was not the best but they did get home before the big storm hit and I was grateful for that.  

I have been cleaning the yard for winter and also cleaning up leaves after the storm. I have my Temple shift on Saturdays and my sessions on Tuesday mornings. We zoom as a family most Sundays. I have been meeting with Bela to practice the Hula for the Stake talent show in January. I am also planning the LOW training meeting with Ted Streibel for the end of the month. I am busy but that is good for me. I miss my boy. ❤️